Question Number: 15980

Law 12 - Fouls and Misconduct 7/9/2007

RE: Club Under 16

Eric of West Chester, PA USA asks...

Can a player flick the ball into his shirt and run with it? (the ball never touches his hands)

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

No, this is unsporting behavior. He should be cautioned.

In addition, it would be playing in a dangerous manner, because the opponents will be severely disadvantaged in any attempt to kick the ball free without harming him.

Also, I presume the player would be using his hands to hold the shirt in position to trap the ball. In this case, the shirt becomes an extension of his hand, and deliberate handling of the ball applies.

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Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

While this is not a foul, it IS misconduct, unsporting behavior to be exact. This has been tried many times. As ref Voshal states if he's holding the shirt you could call deliberately handling the ball. Most of the times when this comes up it's a keeper that puts the ball under his shirt inside his own penalty area so no handling. Also, if an opponent were to attempt a challenge he would be disadvantaged by this tactic and playing in a dangerous manner could be called.

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Answer provided by Referee Jon Sommer

This is circumventing the laws of the game and is illegal. Just as flicking the ball up with your foot and heading it back to your goal keeper is.

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